How to Succeed in Business (3)

Daily Devotions

September 22, 2012

“They could not dwell together.” Ge 13:6 NKJV

Abraham and Lot started out together in business. Then a problem arose: “Their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together. And there was strife between the herdsmen” (vv.6-7 NKJV). So Abraham said, “Please separate from me. If you take the left, then I will go to the right” (v.9 NKJV). There’s an important lesson here: Just because somebody belonged in your life early on, doesn’t mean they’re supposed to make the whole journey with you. When memories of the early days of working with somebody are wonderful, it’s difficult to face the truth that those days are gone and will never return. Does that mean you are right and they are wrong? No, it just means you have different destinies. If you don’t understand that, people who were once the wind beneath your wings can become a weight that drags you down. Sometimes you outgrow a person’s gifting and capacity, and no matter how much you try to help or improve them they won’t get any better. When that happens your prospects are diminished and your momentum suffers. Some of the people you want in your life shouldn’t be in it because they don’t share your passion; they have a different calling. If you learn this sooner rather than later, you’ll save yourself untold heartache. The story’s told of a guy who left this message on his answering machine: “I’m not available right now. I’m making some changes in my life. Please leave a message after the beep. If I don’t return your call, you are one of the changes.”